I mentioned I was looking at more areas than just writing when I thought of my word for the year. I like to dabble in many different creative-ish areas. But I am, sadly, not very talented. I wish I could paint a landscape or design and sew a fabulous quilt but I am who I am. One very organized, list making, linear, planner, rule follower of a person. When I did a sketchbook experiment with a friend I was quite lacking in ideas. All his sketches seem so cool and fun. I wanted to be Bob Ross and paint a happy little tree with a sun dappled barn and a babbling brook. Or at least cool abstracts in a Paul Klee kind of way.

In this creative area I am thinking maybe my word should be creative acceptance. I am who I am and there is nothing wrong with that. So I can’t draw a picture but I enjoy coloring one. And I am good at following the directions in a needlepoint kit and creating ornaments or wall hangings. And I have done some bead work kits and sequins on felt. I have knitted scarves and one afghan. I made a quilted dresser scarf.

So maybe I am not creative in the traditional sense or exactly how I wish I was in my mind. But I have decided to believe I am simply creative in my own linear, follow directions, non-spontaneous way. And yet, there is more to the story.

After careful consideration I pushed myself to participate in Anne’s (My Giant Strawberry) Handmade Joy gift exchange. I felt like this was a pretty big leap for me. I was worried that all the other participants would be artisans with Etsy shops and booths at craft fairs. But I did it anyway.

I came up with my idea, started working on it and kept my fingers crossed that it would be suitable for whoever I got. I started off making a small needlepoint sign in spring colors. Or maybe it was a bookmark. But it didn’t seem to be enough. I decided it was a sign and then decided to make one for winter. It was supposed to be a snowflake but I think it turned out more like a flower. It would have made sense to stick with a needlepoint theme but of course why would I make sense? So I followed my creative courage and colored a leaf for autumn and made a felt sun for summer. I included a suction cup hook and now I get to imagine my “art” hanging in a window in England! I got to send my items to an Italian architect living in England. How cool is that?

I am just sorry I forgot to take a photo of the back of the sun, I put the word “Joy” on it with sequins. Oh well.